20 June 2011

Longhorns at Tonna

Sheltered clearing (SS78199948)
 I found a very impressive area today next to the Neath canal near the Aberdulais Basin. Having already seen a Black-and-yellow Longhorn before I reached this area I thought the density of umbellifers here would be worth a closer look. Longhorns like the flat inflorescences which provide easier areas to land and take-off. Those landing platforms in this case provided by Hemlock Water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata).
Black-and-yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata)
 At least 6 Black-and-yellow Longhorns (5+ in this clearing) were the most numerous species noted.
Speckled Longhorn Beetle (Pachytodes cerambyciformis)
 I was amazed to find 2 further species of Longhorn also in this clearing. 2 Speckled Longhorns and 1 Black-spotted Longhorn completed the tally.
Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax)
All 3 species have widespread distributions in Wales in or near to wooded areas.

Also seen today a Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) near the carpark area at Aberdulais Basin. Photo of this can be found following the link below

Dragonfly Blog

2 comments:

Barry Stewart said...

Great series of captures Mark. Speckled Longhorn is pretty scarce in the west here I believe and quite a nice plant record too!

Mark Hipkin said...

Thanks Barry. I was like a kid in a sweetshop. You may have noticed that for a while the umbellifer was identified as Hemlock. A very nice record indeed, unfortunately completely wrong!
I think the saying goes "close but no cigar!"